The Student Confederation was the fourth governance body at American University. Its predecessors were the Student Council and the College Council. All consisted of students except for the College Council which included administrators and faculty. The Student Confederation was formed in 1973. Its governing body was called the General Assembly. Sub units include the American University Transportation Organization (AUTO), the Confederation Media Commission (CMC), the Kennedy Political Union (KPU), and the Student Union Board. The mission of the Student Confederation was “to promote the common welfare of the students.”

Also documented are Student Confederation committees and sub-units including AUTO (1973-87); the Board of Elections (1974-90); the Co-op; CMC (1970-1993); KPU (1971-1999); and the Student Union Board (1973-1993) as well as clubs and associations. Included in these files are budgets, campaign materials, constitutions, contracts, proposals, publications, and rosters. CMC media outlets A-TV, Eagle, Talon, WAMU, and WAVE-TV are also covered. Of note is information on two earlier student government bodies - the Student Association and College Council (1937-46) and Student Association (1950-62).